Kenya map & itineraries
Many of the most popular places to visit in Kenya hug the Tanzanian border: the Masai Mara, the Great Migration, Tsavo and several popular beach resorts. This leaves vast expanses of unexplored wilderness to the north for the more adventurous or second-time visitor to discover. The dramatic scenery of the Rift Valley along with Mount Kenya still attract plenty of visitors, but there’s a good chance people will be outnumbered by animals in Laikipia, Samburu and the Aberdares.
However, while Kenya may seem small compared to African giants such as Tanzania and South Africa, don’t underestimate the distance you have to cover. A local flight or two is often still necessary to avoid shuddering along Kenya roads for an entire day; Nairobi and Mombasa airports offer regular connections to the coast and reserves.
However, while Kenya may seem small compared to African giants such as Tanzania and South Africa, don’t underestimate the distance you have to cover. A local flight or two is often still necessary to avoid shuddering along Kenya roads for an entire day; Nairobi and Mombasa airports offer regular connections to the coast and reserves.
Our Kenya Vacations
Family cycling vacation in Kenya & Tanzania
Family Biking and camping adventure in Kenya and Tanzania
From
US $2950
16 days
ex flights
Serengeti Trail, Kenya & Tanzania safari
Overland truck safari
From
US $1630 to US $1985
8 days
ex flights
Gorilla Safari & the Masai Mara
Superb safari and trip to see gorillas
From
US $4185 to US $6665
16 days
ex flights
Kenya wildlife camping safari
Game watching morning, afternoon and night
From
£1875
8 days
ex flights
Complete Kenya safari
Tailor-make your own luxury Kenya safari with a Kenya expert
From
£2250 to £3950
7 days
ex flights
Kenya migration safari vacation
Experience the Migration Season in Maasai Mara and Naboisho
From
US $2900
7 days
ex flights
Masai Mara luxury camp vacation, Kenya
5 Days Safari to Leopard Hill and Mara Naboisho
From
US $1820 to US $2220
5 days
ex flights
Gorillas and big game, Nairobi to Kigali tour
See classic African game
From
US $4185 to US $6665
16 days
ex flights
The Masai Heartlands safari
An amazing and great value 2 week truck safari
From
US $2765 to US $3285
15 days
ex flights
Kenya luxury safari, including Giraffe Manor
Combine Giraffe Manor with a luxury big 5 safari
From
£4985
7 days
ex flights
Kenya and Tanzania classic tailor made vacation
Explore Kenya and Tanzania's most treasured national parks.
From
£3530
10 days
ex flights
Cairo to Nairobi overland safari truck tour
Overland through the Sahara and the Ethiopian Highlands
From
US $5120 to US $5170
72 days
ex flights
Kenya community experience and Masai Mara Safari
4 days of immersive community activities before epic safari!
From
US $1980 to US $2890
13 days
ex flights
Kenya safari vacation, tailor made
Experience the ultimate safari adventure
From
US $2010 to US $2510
6 days
ex flights
Kenya highlights tour
Masai Mara, Nakuru and Amboseli private vacations
From
US $1378 to US $2448
7 days
ex flights
Kenya & Tanzania safari vacations
Some of the best wildlife spots in Tanzania and Kenya
From
£4325
13 days
ex flights
Kenya & Tanzania safari vacation
Vacation activities that are geared towards learning
From
US $4650 to US $5550
11 days
ex flights
Kenya family safari vacation, wildlife & beaches
12-day family safari staying in private family safari houses
From
£3250
12 days
ex flights
Kenya walking safari in the Masai Mara
Walk and experience Maasai culture and spectacular wildlife
From
US $1930 to US $2430
6 days
ex flights
9 day safari in Kenya
Journey through the Masai Mara & enjoy an exceptional safari
From
US $2980 to US $3780
9 days
ex flights
Kenya national parks safari vacation
Incredible wildlife at Amboseli, Hells Gate and the Masai Mara
From
US $1530 to US $2200
6 days
ex flights
Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya camping safari, gorillas & the Mara
See gorillas in Rwanda and the big five on the Masia Mara
From
US $4185 to US $6665
16 days
ex flights
Kenya and Tanzania family safari, small group
Take a walk on the wild side in Kenya and Tanzania
From
US $1895
8 days
ex flights
Kenya and Tanzania safari adventure
Witness the best in wildlife and scenery
From
US $4105 to US $4185
15 days
ex flights
Kenya wildlife tour, tailor made
Vacation & safari in Kenya's national parks
From
US $1365 to US $2795
7 days
ex flights
Short Masai Mara safari
.This is where Big Cat diaries are filmed, come see it live
From
US $770 to US $1880
4 days
ex flights
Masai Mara photographic safari in Kenya
A safari for any wilderness fan or photographer
From
US $6585
7 days
ex flights
Kenya & Tanzania classic safari
See the most amazing wildlife phenomenon in Africa
From
£3946
15 days
ex flights
1. Aberdare National Park
2. Amboseli National Park
3. Coast & islands
4. The Great Rift Valley
5. Hell’s Gate National Park
6. Laikipia
7. Lake Nakuru
8. Masai Mara
9. Mombasa
10. Mount Kenya
11. Samburu
12. Tsavo
2. Amboseli National Park
3. Coast & islands
4. The Great Rift Valley
5. Hell’s Gate National Park
6. Laikipia
7. Lake Nakuru
8. Masai Mara
9. Mombasa
10. Mount Kenya
11. Samburu
12. Tsavo
Aberdare National Park
1. Aberdare National Park
Soaring up to 4,000m, the ancient Aberdare Range is strangely unknown. Its forested slopes harbour ravines and dramatic waterfalls a fantastic variety of wildlife – including monkeys, elusive golden cats and over 250 species of birds – while the moorlands are a high-altitude wonderland of hardy Afro-Alpine vegetation. The altitude provides respite from the heat – and the bugs.
Amboseli National Park
2. Amboseli National Park
Amboseli is the setting of Kenya’s classic postcard scene: the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro looming over huge herds of elephants striding across the plains below. You’ll find the big five here, along with hippopotamus and birdlife in the soggy swamplands, fed by the mountain’s meltwater. Walking safaris and nighttime game drives are permitted in the conservancies bordering the park.
Coast & islands
3. Coast & islands
Kenya’s coastline can rival that of any tropical island – from the luxurious resorts to secluded keys, sprinkled in the warm Indian Ocean. Diani’s 10km of white sands are a classic, palm-fringed retreat – check out the reefs and the colobus monkeys. Lamu offers archaeological sites as well as beaches, and Malindi – the Italian favourite – has a cluster of affordable hotels, restaurants and bars.
The Great Rift Valley
4. The Great Rift Valley
The 9,600km-long Rift Valley has shattered Africa, leaving behind a trail of lakes, islands and lush oases. Eight lakes sprang up in Kenya; Naivasha has over 400 species of birds, flitting about amongst the hippos, Elementaita is a deep blue soda lake, attracting white pelicans, and Baringo has a floating restaurant. Geological activity continues in the Rift, with hot springs and steam vents bubbling from the deep.
Hell’s Gate National Park
5. Hell’s Gate National Park
A narrow gap in the dramatic cliffs of the Rift Valley gave this park its sinister name – but it could well have been influenced by the geothermal activity beneath the ground. Hot springs, geysers, extinct volcanoes and volcanic plugs create a surreal landscape. Birds of prey – including the rare lammergeyer – can be found here, and a Maasai Cultural Centre reveals the life of the surrounding communities.
Laikipia
6. Laikipia
Kenya may be one of Africa’s top tourist destinations – but the centre and north remain delightfully untouched. Laikipia is a patchwork of communal conservancies, where local communities manage the land. As well as protecting wildlife – notably 100 black rhino plus rare wild dogs – the lodges all employ and train local people, and feed are reinvested back into communities and conservation.
Lake Nakuru
7. Lake Nakuru
One of the Rift Valley’s eight lakes, Nakuru entices a huge variety of wildlife to its shimmering waters, including numerous predators, giraffe and buffalo and both black and white rhino. But it’s the birdlife that provided Nakuru’s most fantastic scenes; the lake periodically turns a soft pink as some two million flamingos descend onto its algae-rich waters, just one of the 450 species of bird found here.
Masai Mara
8. Masai Mara
This national reserve is synonymous with both wildlife and the Maasai tribes. A stage for the Great Migration, the Mara sees some two million wildebeest and zebras spilling into it from Jun-Oct – if they survive the precarious Mara River crossing. The surrounding Maasai conservancies give the chance to spend time with this fascinating people, with bushwalks, village visits and warrior training lessons!
Mombasa
9. Mombasa
Mombasa’s history is as colourful and complex as its vibrant markets. This island city dates back almost 1,000 years, with 16th century forts, Swahili architecture and Islamic mosques. But above all, Mombasa is a gateway to Kenya’s coast – including its own Nyali Beach and Mombasa Marine National Park. Glass-bottom boat tours, diving with whale sharks, snorkelling and fishing are all within easy reach.
Mount Kenya
10. Mount Kenya
Africa’s second highest mountain soars to 5,199m, capped with glaciers. You’ll find few visitors in this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, despite the gorgeous flora and wildlife – a beautiful contrast to Kilimanjaro’s barren yet busy slopes. Surrounding villages offer an insight into life in the shadow of the mountain. The nearby Mau-Mau Cave – a national monument – sheltered the Freedom Fighters in the 1950s.
Samburu
11. Samburu
Far from the big name attractions of the south, Samburu receives few visitors; it feels like a true African wilderness. The Ewaso Ng’iro River nourishes Samburu’s scruffy vegetation and abundant wildlife – Elsa the Lioness was raised here, the famous star of Born Free. Lion, cheetah and leopard roam the park, best seen during sunrise or sunset game drives.
Tsavo
12. Tsavo
Tsavo East and West form Kenya’s most expansive protected area, sheltering around a third of the country’s elephants. Tsavo West is the best bet for wildlife – lured here by the springs, rivers and rapids as well as swamplands and lakes. Look out for hippos and crocs, as well as buffalo, black rhino, lion and leopard. The jagged lava landscapes of the Chyulu Hills create a surreal backdrop.
Our top Kenya Vacation
Gorilla Safari & the Masai Mara
Superb safari and trip to see gorillas
From
US $4185 to US $6665
16 days
ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 26 Jan, 11 Feb, 29 Jun, 15 Jul, 10 Aug, 26 Aug, 30 Sep, 19 Oct, 4 Nov, 11 Dec, 28 Dec
2019: 26 Jan, 11 Feb, 29 Jun, 15 Jul, 10 Aug, 26 Aug, 30 Sep, 19 Oct, 4 Nov, 11 Dec, 28 Dec
Helpdesk
Hello. If you'd like to chat about Kenya or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help. Rosy & team.
KENYA SAMPLE ITINERARIES
Culture & wildlife safari (14 days):
Nairobi > Masai Mara > Rift Valley > Lake Nakuru > Aberdares > Samburu
Nairobi > Masai Mara > Rift Valley > Lake Nakuru > Aberdares > Samburu
Safari & beach vacation (10 days):
Nairobi > Amboseli > Tsavo > Diani Beach (5 days) > Mombasa
Nairobi > Amboseli > Tsavo > Diani Beach (5 days) > Mombasa
Migration and Maasai (8 days):
Nairobi > Amboseli > Masai Mara (4 days) > Nairobi
Nairobi > Amboseli > Masai Mara (4 days) > Nairobi
Kenya travel times
The following times give you a rough idea of the travel times between the main attractions in Kenya.
Nairobi – Masai Mara: 45 mins by plane
Nairobi – Masai Mara: 6 hours by road
Nairobi – Amboseli: 1 hour by plane
Nairobi – Amboseli: 4 hours by road
Mombasa – Nyali Beach: 40 minutes
Mombasa – Tsavo East: 3 hours by road
Mombasa – Malindi: 90 mins by road
Nairobi – Samburu: 1 hour by plane
Nairobi – Samburu: 5 hours by road
Nairobi – Mount Kenya: 2 hours by road
Nairobi – Lake Victoria: 6 hours by road
Masai Mara – Lake Victoria: 4 hours by road
Nairobi – Mombasa: 15 hours by train (overnight)
More about Kenya
The best time to visit Kenya depends on whether you’re interested in visiting the Masai Mara, Mombasa or Mount Kenya as our handy temperature & rainfall chart goes to show.
Read our Kenya travel guide which lifts the lid on what we rate & what we don’t as well as detailing a brief history of Kenya and how to travel like a local on your Kenya vacation.
When thinking of things to do in Kenya, inevitably, game drives and walking safaris will spring to mind however, as this page goes to prove, a chance to meet the Maasai, kick back on the coast or embark on volunteering projects are all equally worthwhile things to do in Kenya.
Traveling in Kenya with kids isn’t as scary as it might at first sound and no sooner than you’ve discovered a few activities for families in Kenya, as prescribed by our experts, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to what to do with little ones.
Doing your research and reading a few tips about the Great Rift Valley, climbing a mountain in East Africa and advice on staying safe in Nairobi should be part and parcel of your preparations, which is why our Kenya travel advice page is such a great place to learn how to travel safely in Kenya.
There are plenty of ways to travel right in Kenya with understanding Kenya responsible tourism issues, the perfect place to start.
Why book with Responsible Travel
Photo credits: [Page banner: MAKE IT KENYA PHOTO / STUART PRICE] [Aberdare: Nick]
[Amboseli: Ray in Manila]
[The coast: Nijaba]
[Great Rift Valley: Ninara]
[Hell's Gate: Nao Lizuka]
[Laikipia: Flowcomm]
[Lake Nakuru: Xiaojun Deng]
[Masai Mara: Xiaojun Deng]
[Mombasa: Schmilblick]
[Mount Kenya: Franco Pecchio]
[Samburu: Julian Mason]
[Tsavo: Mauro Eugenio Atzei]
[Mt. Longonot: Xiaojun Deng]
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